Rosy barb
Pethia conchonius
easy careOverview
The rosy barb (Pethia conchonius) is a large, hardy, energetic shoaling fish — one of the toughest barbs you can keep. Breeding males flush a deep rosy red, especially in cooler water and around females. It is undemanding and long-lived, but its size, speed and appetite for swimming mean it needs more room than the average community barb. Give it space and a proper shoal and it becomes an impressive, active centrepiece.
Tank & water
Rosy barbs are big and fast, so a long tank matters more than a tall one. A group of six or more wants 110 litres (30 gallons) or larger.
- Temperature: 18–24 °C; they are subtropical and tolerate cooler rooms. A heater keeps it stable.
- Filtration: these active, messy fish appreciate a strong filter and good flow.
- Water: very adaptable across pH 6.0–8.0 and a wide hardness range.
- Layout: long open swimming space with sturdy plants at the sides.
Feeding
Rosy barbs are enthusiastic omnivores and graze readily on soft algae and plants. Feed a quality flake or pellet once or twice daily, plus frozen or freeze-dried daphnia, bloodworm and brine shrimp, and include vegetable matter such as blanched spinach or spirulina to satisfy their plant-eating habit. Feed only what they finish quickly — see best fish food.
Tankmates
Best kept with fast, robust fish of similar size: larger tetras, danios, other big barbs, rainbowfish and peaceful catfish. Their energy and occasional nipping make them poor company for slow or long-finned fish. A full shoal keeps their attention on each other.
Common care notes
- Provide a long tank with plenty of swimming room
- Keep six or more to spread out nipping behaviour
- Tolerates cooler water — good for unheated rooms
- Offer vegetable matter to curb plant-nibbling
Big, hardy and full of energy, the rosy barb rewards a spacious tank and a proper shoal with bold colour and constant activity.
Rosy barb — frequently asked questions
How big do rosy barbs get?
Larger than most community barbs — commonly 10–14 cm. They are powerful, fast swimmers, so they need a longer tank of at least 110 litres and roomy horizontal space rather than a tall nano.
Do rosy barbs nip fins?
They can, especially in small groups or when under-stimulated. Keeping a shoal of six or more and providing plenty of swimming space channels their energy and reduces nipping, so avoid slow, long-finned tankmates.
Can rosy barbs live in cool water?
Yes. Rosy barbs are subtropical and thrive in cooler water around 18–24 °C, making them a good choice for unheated or lightly heated rooms and for pairing with other cool-tolerant species.
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